Arkansas · Pope Co.

Illinois Bayou

Pope Co. · 40 mi · Class I–III

Optimal: 200–1500 CFS · USGS #07257500

129CFS

5.85 ft gauge height

Below Optimal

→Stable

Avg flow: 380 cfsHist. median: 342 cfsUSGS #07257500

Ozark National Forest · Ozark Highlands Trail

About

Through Pope County's Ozark National Forest, the Illinois Bayou drops 40 miles from technical whitewater to broader valley runs. The upper 15 miles from Hector to Scottsville hold the best drops — Class II-III water that demands attention at higher flows. Below Scottsville, the remaining 25 miles to Russellville open into Class I-II water through a wider valley. At 380 CFS average, the bayou runs best between 200-1500 CFS on USGS gauge 07257500. The Ozark Highlands Trail crosses the watershed, and Ozark Outdoor Supply provides shuttles and gear for paddlers tackling the technical upper section. Above 1000 CFS, the Class III features become pushy and the gradient demands solid boat control.

Solunar Fishing Activity

🌒

Waxing Crescent

15% illumination

Poor

★ Moon overhead
9:43 AM

Moonrise
2:32 PM

Moonset
4:55 AM

★ Moon underfoot
9:43 PM

Next full moon: May 3111 days

Outfitters

Ozark Outdoor Supply

Kayak rentals and shuttle service for Illinois Bayou trips

10-Year Flow Patterns

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Your Optimal Range

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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.

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